HRW Accuses Warring Parties in South Sudan of Blocking Aid and Forcing Displacement

HRW Accuses Warring Parties in South Sudan of Blocking Aid and Forcing Displacement
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Human Rights Watch says both government and warring forces in South Sudan are obstructing humanitarian aid and forcing civilians to flee, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

In a report published on April 13, Human Rights Watch said that since late 2025, repeated evacuation orders by the army and opposition groups have displaced at least 280,000 people, particularly in Jonglei state, amid escalating clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition.

The report states that civilians have been forced to flee bombardments, abuses, and coercive evacuation orders, with many seeking refuge in areas without adequate shelter, food, or medical care. In some cases, entire populations were ordered to leave within days, prompting mass displacement, including over 110,000 people fleeing into Ethiopia.

Humanitarian access has also been severely restricted. Aid deliveries have been blocked by no-fly zones, attacks on medical facilities, and looting. According to aid agencies, at least 28 health and nutrition facilities were suspended, while multiple relief centers were attacked or destroyed.

Human Rights Watch warned that both sides may have committed serious violations, including unlawful killings, sexual violence, and attacks on civilians, which could amount to war crimes.

The organization called on all parties to allow unhindered humanitarian access and end forced displacement.